LIONEL MESSI may be a false No9 but he could inflict Real problems in Saturday’s El Clasico.
The Barcelona icon hopes to send Real Madrid to a third straight defeat.
Lionel Messi should again be spearheading the Barcelona team against their fiercest rivals Real Madrid on Saturday
El Clasico veterans Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema are likely to return for Real Madrid for this weekend’s’s trip to Barcelona
But Spain’s top two sides have both made spluttering starts to the season, with playmaker Eden Hazard still out injured for Real.
New Barca manager Ronald Koeman is already under pressure for this Nou Camp showpiece.
And visiting chief Zinedine Zidane would be under equal strain if Real lose.
Zidane’s men have succumbed twice at home in the past week, 1-0 to newly-promoted Cadiz in LaLiga and 3-2 against Shakhtar Donetsk in Wednesday’s Champions League group opener.
So with each boss under a glaring spotlight over their selections and tactics, here’s how they could line up.
Koeman’s choice seems pretty clear, mainly thanks to star left-back Jordi Alba returning from injury.
Brazilian Neto should remain in goal, although regular No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen has nearly recovered from a knee problem.
And in front of Neto, Koeman appears certain to again field a back four, with Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet in central defence.
Sergi Roberto may edge out Sergino Dest on the right, with Alba marauding down the opposite flank.
Sergio Busquets is the likely anchorman in midfield, aside Dutch playmaker Frenkie de Jong.
Then come the creative talents who could make or break Koeman’s first season in his dream managerial job.
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi is hoping to condemn Real Madrid to a third straight defeatCredit: Getty Images – Getty
France striker Karim Benzema should be back to lead Real’s attack in Saturday afternoon’s El Clasico at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Resurgent Philippe Coutinho and 17-year-old left-winger Ansu Fati seem shoe-ins as Barca aim to rise from ninth in the early LaLiga table.
And despite his erratic form, Antoine Griezmann is expected to still keep out Manchester United’s summer loan target Ousmane Dembele.
That leaves Messi alone furthest forward, albeit with a licence to let his wizardry roam.
As for Real, Zidane will once more be without Hazard, Dani Carvajal and Martin Odegaard, with Mariano Diaz and Alvaro Odriozola also doubtful.
Third in LaLiga, Real are likely to recall Spain right-back Nacho, with France star Ferland Mendy reverting to the left and Marcelo facing the axe.
El Clasico legend Sergio Ramos is tipped to return alongside Raphael Varane in the middle of defence, despite missing Real’s shock Euro defeat against Ukrainian champs Shakhtar through injury.
Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, 30, is another established ace set for a comeback and he should partner 35-year-old Luka Modric.
Brazilian Casemiro will supply the graft alongside their craft.
Ever-reliable Karim Benzema and blossoming Vinicius Junior should return in attack, with Marco Asensio poised to fend off the claims of Isco and Lucas Vazquez down the right.
It was Vinicius whose opener set up a 2-0 Bernabeu victory in the last El Clasico in March, before Real returned from the coronavirus lockdown to overhaul Barca to the title with ten straight wins.
And while that was run was unforgettable, both teams this time will consider defeat unthinkable.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid- Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for La Liga derby
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
